AUSSIE PETS

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PET’S

SHORT TERM STRESS AND ANXIETY

FOR US THE NEW YEAR, AND THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO GET TOGETHER, DO SOME SOCIALISING AND A LITTLE OVERINDULGING. FOR OUR PETS HOWEVER THIS TIME OF YEAR CAN CAUSE A FEW CHALLENGES AS THEIR REGULAR DAY TO DAY ROUTINES MAY GO OUT THE WINDOW, AND PARTIES AND GET TOGETHER’S CAN CAUSE SOME SHORTTERM STRESS AND ANXIETY. »

ROUTINE

Most pets love routine, if your pet is used to spending many hours alone in the yard, they may get a little shock when suddenly you and the kids are home each day during the holidays. Suddenly with more time on your hands their 10am nap turns into a 10am Power walk, a relax in their favourite space is now hot and light as the blinds are now open all day. For most pet’s owners spending more time with them is a good thing, stress relieving in fact, but for pets anything different can be anxiety provoking, so keep the walks at the same time as when you were working, keep their favourite space as it was, mealtimes the same, same foods etc.

NOISE AND PEOPLE

You may think your pet loves people, and it probably does, but sometimes it can get a little too much. That house party with 20 guests is usually okay for the first hour but sometimes pets have had enough of stranger’s or people in general, so they need to be able to relax somewhere safe. Some pets are wary of people in the first place, for these guys having a house full of people would be extremely stressful right from the start. Noise can also be a problem, we know many dogs hate thunder, it’s not just thunder, loud sudden unfamiliar noises are disconcerting for pets, fireworks on New Year Eve will send many pets scampering, champagne corks popping, bursts of loud laughter, loud music, these are all things your pets are almost certain to be scared of and can make your pet’s very anxious.

FOOD

We all love seeing our friend’s pet when we visit, and after a few drinks you may be swayed by their big eyes looking at you, “can I have some” initially you may be strong, but chances are someone will weaken and offer the pet some yummies from the BBQ or leftovers, or even party food. This sounds great for your pet, but it is just not good for their immediate wellbeing, a slight bit of marinate on the BBQ food, mayonnaise on leftovers, biscuits, cold meats, anything can give your pet an upset stomach, or worse sill a serious stomach issue (spicy food, chocolate in some cases can be fatal.) Remember, your pet’s stomach is tiny, for your pet one biscuit can be like eating a pie, so imaging if five friends gave your pet a little something a few times, it would be like you eating five or six pies in one sitting. Pets are not like humans; they do not seem to stop when they feel full.

SIGNS YOUR PETS IS NOT HAVING AS MUCH FUN AS YOU

• Cowering under the table • Ears set back • Trembling • Uncharacteristic behaviours • Excessive yawning • Urination in the house (if not normal) • Tail tucked • Diarrhea Cats that live outdoors can generally escape and usually have a few go to hiding spots, they still may travel across roads etc to escape a party, and in house cats can usually hide but may still be afraid. A terrible experience for your pet can cause long term problems as well. If young pets are scared of a person or an event it takes a long time for your pet to re-programme, possibly years and in many cases it can causes a lifelong fear. If you are planning a party consider having your pet house- sat elsewhere or ensure your pet has a good, safe retreat. This is an effective way to ensure your pet is not suffering while you are having a great time. Any separation anxiety may be a better than a terrifying or health challenging day/night. So, consider your pets this party season, short term anxiety is no fun for them, and may save you a few nasty clean ups if they get sick or wee or worse.